J&K Assembly Debates Return of NHPC Hydropower Projects Resolution

The J&K Legislative Assembly's budget session (second leg) included debate on a private member resolution tabled by National Conference legislator Sajad Shaheen, urging the Government of India to consider a phased transfer of NHPC-operated hydropower projects from central to J&K UT government control. The projects covered — Salal (690 MW), Uri-I (480 MW), Dulhasti (390 MW), Kishanganga (330 MW), Uri-II (240 MW), and Sewa-II (120 MW), totaling approximately 2,250 MW — were built by NHPC under development agreements that gave J&K preferential power supply. The resolution reflected broader J&K political discontent that the UT, despite being a major hydropower producer, faces power shortages while NHPC profits flow to the central government. The discussion occurred amid J&K CM Omar Abdullah's push to triple hydropower capacity under the IWT suspension framework.